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Give and Take

Fort Belvoir

Post: Housing: Most of the housing is fairly new and really great. The best housing amenities that in 10 years we've ever had. Three bed, 2.5 bath, fenced in yard, 2 car garage, etc...Was sad to leave that. But if you get Dogue Creek-run! We were in George Washington village which is near there and everyone hated it and they are VERY small. Can't say that I disagree. From what I've seen and heard of it, you'd be much better off off-post. So consider it if you are assigned it. Also, watch for black widows. They say they aren't there but that's not what my pictures show. And there are ants, bugs, bees, wasps galore. The planted these trees that attract them right in front of housing. I can't tell you how many times I would find a wasp or bee in my house. And there are lots of ADA houses as well. Buildings: The PX is brand new and it's ok. Large but really institutional feeling. The commissary is nice. There is a USO on post and it's FAB! Take use of it. The hospital is new as well and very nice. I miss that a lot. Great doctors and staff. The movie theater is ok but cheap enough to take the whole family. But they are far behind on the movies they show. But they have a lot of free prescreenings which is cool. EFMP office is very friendly and helpful. There are a couple banks on post as well. The bowling alley is expensive but nice. There is a Wounded Warrior building there as well. Schools: Fort Belvoir Elementary is pretty good, but that is only my opinion. But very crowded. 60% over capacity and that is the only school on post. Middle and HS is off post. My son has autism so he got transferred to Woodlawn. AWESOME school. Sad to leave that as well. As this is always a case by case thing. I have heard some negative things about FB Elem. but our personal experience was positive. Fairfax county schools are in general pretty awesome. They have some seriously high funding and can accommodate any special needs child. Other: Be forewarned. Post is crowded. They built a thousand new homes and filled them, too. And there are lots of barracks as well. Overall, the post is nice. Half of it is brand new. There is still a lot of colonial character throughout the post. I don't know if it's the best but I've never heard anyone say it's the worst. And there is not much deployment there as well. In over two years I really didn't hear of any. My husbands unit was non-deployable. There is a gold course, too. Outside of post: Traffic: This is where you need to brace yourself. EVERYONE hates the traffic. If you decide to live even 10 miles away from post be willing to the third worst in the nation, next to LA and NYC. If you need to go anywhere off post give yourself enough time to get there. Example: my sons dentist was six miles away. I pulled him out of school one hour before his appt. Next to the crime, traffic is the worst about the area. Crime: As always, protect yourself. And NEVER EVER be out at night ANYWHERE off post by yourself. Especially in Alexandria and DC. As with the traffic, crime is some of the worst in the nation. Fun: The really great part about this place is the history. Post is just a few miles from Mt. Vernon and 30 min or so from DC. (not during peak hours lol)It is very family friendly and health conscience. Lots of beautiful scenery and parks. Definitely take advantage of all that before you leave. And there are lots of places that give military discounts. Overall: This post is not perfect but we chose to be stationed there and I don't regret it. Hopefully, if you get stationed there, you won't either.

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